Demonstrator: Gill McGregor​Her Title: 'The Romance of Spring'

For the first meeting of 2019, we welcomed Gill McGregor back to the club on 7th February with her demonstration entitled ‘The Romance of Spring’. ​

Gill’s first arrangement reminded us of our recent snowfalls. Alongside two owls she used evergreen foliage and white spray chrysanthemums in groups at the base adding contorted hazel catkins, blue iris and a few daffodils and tulips. Next a two-placement design with heart-shaped wire structures clearly indicated Valentine’s Day. Gill chose to add ferns, aspidistra and Fatsia leaves, lime green hypericum berries finishing with red roses and red anthuriums.

We were then shown the art of a ‘mirroring design’. Using a black raised rectangular container and working from the centre point, Gill added various large plain leaves and ferns of the same size to each side. Finally, two small white ornamental cabbages were placed at the centre and pale pink Singapore orchids completed the design – all radiating out from the centre. After a break for refreshments, the fourth arrangement was to celebrate Chinese New Year – 2019 being the Year of the Pig. Peach Avalanche roses, yellow broom and tulips along with ferns captured the feel of China and the addition of red leucospermum represented fireworks.

Whilst she chatted to us, Gill swiftly plaited a fern leaf and two of these were incorporated into the next arrangement which included large orange gerbera. We were reminded the importance of conditioning all materials before flower arranging and, in particular, how a few drops of bleach in the water before adding the gerbera will improve their lasting qualities. An upcycled emerald green top hat became the base of the final arrangement and once the Bells of Ireland and pale green carnations were added it was clear this would be to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Pale coloured proteas and hard Ruscus placed in groups completed the design.​

It was a very enjoyable evening. We were delighted to be entertained by such a talented NAFAS demonstrator/teacher/judge as well as an author of Floral Art Books. For further information do take a look at her website: www.gillmcgregor.com.